the plate in the cam cover is a baffle for the breather valve its for air to enter so it goes to the outside air you have one of those or air filter

set the KB pistons on the loose side they do not like being tight in a harley

the rubber in the breather was a sloppy assembly before you

 

What do you think it was?

1996, what shape is the breather hole in the casting for that year? Is it an oval or a square?

Does anyone go the extra mile of measuring the timing of it, and opening it up more? Does it make much difference? S&S show the howto in their instructions for fitting the gears.